John Brady
Ceist:562. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health to provide a breakdown of people in nursing homes by age profile in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46002/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Data
Ceisteanna (562)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (563)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:563. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of children on the CAMHS waiting list in County Mayo, with a breakdown by age and how long they have been waiting for a first appointment. [46007/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (564)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:564. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of staff vacancies, grade and location in the CAMHS Mayo service. [46008/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (565)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:565. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent, if any, to which a nursing position might be offered in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46010/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (566)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:566. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health whether it might be possible for a social worker to call to investigate the circumstances of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46012/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
Eating Disorders
Ceisteanna (567)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:567. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if urgent investigation might be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46031/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Reply not received
from Department.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (568, 572, 573, 574)
Michael Ring
Ceist:568. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there is a national or Government policy to grant all college photography contracts to one company (details supplied) or is it individual third level institutions/universities that set tender criteria. [45811/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Ring
Ceist:572. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there is a national or Government policy to grant all college photography contracts to one company (details supplied); and if not, if is it individual third level institutions and universities that set tender criteria. [45764/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Ring
Ceist:573. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has concerns with regard to a monopoly forming if only one company is getting the opportunity to provide a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45768/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Ring
Ceist:574. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures that can be introduced to ensure a fair and competitive marketplace in the supply of photography services in Irish colleges; if a national framework will be established to oversee open and fair competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45770/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 568, 572, 573 and 574 together.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous under the relevant legislation. This autonomy includes the development and implementation of policies, procedures, day to day management and the administration of their academic affairs.
As such neither I nor my Department have a direct role in these matters.
Student Accommodation
Ceisteanna (569)
Pa Daly
Ceist:569. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of purpose-built student accommodation units available in Kerry in September 2024. [45838/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Supply data from the Higher Education Authority indicates there to be 815 privately owned student accommodation beds in Kerry. There are currently no public purpose built student accommodation beds in Kerry.
There are no planning applications granted or awaiting decision for purpose built student accommodation in Kerry.
As of the 29th of October, the number of beds advertised in digs accommodation by Munster Technological University, Kerry is 102.
Departmental Inquiries
Ceisteanna (570)
Johnny Mythen
Ceist:570. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a place on a college course will be provided to a person (details supplied). [45985/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Springboard+ is a Government initiative managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of my Department, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science (DFHERIS).
Since 2022, eligibility for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) for Springboard+ courses is determined ostensibly on the same basis as Irish citizens. However, specific guidance on eligibility for BOTP/Ukrainian applicants who are in employment is outlined on the Springboard+ website and shared with each course provider. This guidance states:
Note 3: Ukrainian applicants who are in employment or returning to the workforce, including those under Temporary Protection and in receipt of a Temporary Protection Letter, must meet the residency requirement , i.e. have lived in the EU/ EEA/ UK/ Switzerland for 3 full years out of previous 5 years, to be eligible to enrol on a Springboard+ or HCI Pillar 1 course.
Note 4: The process for determining eligibility is undertaken by the third level institution to which the application is made.
Additionally, applicants in receipt of Working Family Payment are required to apply under the “Employed” category and have their eligibility assessed and verified on the same basis as any other employed applicant. The Working Family Payment option provides for the 10% fee to be waived, but applicants must still meet the ‘visa/nationality’ and ‘residency’ requirements. Eligibility documentation for all course participants should be verified by the date that they start their course.
Records supplied by the HEA note that the person referred to in the details supplied correctly applied under the “Employed” category, as she indicated that they were in receipt of the “Working Family Payment”. Regrettably however, the applicant was accepted onto the course in error, as they did not meet the residency eligibility criteria. The oversight in this case was on the part of the course provider, who has the responsibility for verifying applicant eligibility, and this oversight was identified later in the process by the college.
The Springboard+ initiative is an administrative scheme which is not underpinned by legislation and the residency rule that applies may differ from what is in place for other schemes offered by other Government Departments. The terms and conditions that apply to Springboard+ are applicable to all students and that exceptions cannot be made in any particular case.
It is understood that this is disappointing, especially after the initial acceptance in error.
I would encourage the person to explore other educational or training options that may not have the same residency requirements, such as courses offered under the Micro-Credential Learner Fee Subsidy, which could provide alternative pathways for skill development.
Further and Higher Education
Ceisteanna (571)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:571. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to confirm the €10 million capital funding from Government to the National College of Ireland to support the NCI's second campus at Spencer Dock; if he will confirm the equalisation of funding for NCI students in order that funding is at the same level as those in other Universities and Technological Universities; the process of designating NCI as a higher education institute pursuant to the Higher Education Act 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45660/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department met recently with NCI at senior official level and continues to engage with the college on a range of matters.
The NCI is a private not-for-profit institution with charitable status. As a private college the day to day operation of the organisation, including issues surrounding the administration and finances are the responsibility of the college administrators to deal with in line with the college’s own criteria. My Department provides an annual recurrent grant to NCI (via the Higher Education Authority) towards its non-pay operating costs along with funding on behalf of eligible students towards their tuition fees through the Free Fees Initiative.
When the Higher Education Authority Act 2022 was commenced, sixteen higher education institutions were automatically designated as “designated institutions of higher education”. The automatically designated institutions of higher education are the seven traditional universities, the technological universities, the institutes of technology, the National College of Art and Design and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. All of these institutions were established or recognised under legislation and were previously designated under the Higher Education Authority Act 1971.
The Higher Education Authority Act 2022 also provides for a designation by order process which allows other higher education institutions, including private and not-for-profit higher education institutions, to apply for designation. However, these provisions have not yet been commenced. Work has commenced on developing the designation by order process, including consideration of the conditions for designation for inclusion in regulations to be prescribed by the Minister under the Act. This is a complex process, involving liaison with the Higher Education Authority, Quality and Qualifications Ireland and other stakeholders to ensure the new designation process fits seamlessly within the higher education system. Once the designation by order process is fully developed, the relevant provisions of the HEA Act will be commenced and the designation by order regulations will be prescribed. It will then be open to NCI to apply for designation by order under the legislation.
Question No. 572 answered with Question No. 568.
Question No. 573 answered with Question No. 568.
Question No. 574 answered with Question No. 568.
Student Accommodation
Ceisteanna (575)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:575. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of purpose-built student accommodation units available in Longford-Westmeath in September. [45792/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Supply data from the Higher Education Authority indicates there to be 1,202 privately owned student accommodation beds in Westmeath. There are currently no public purpose built student accommodation beds in Westmeath or Longford. At present, there are 376 private student accommodation beds with planning permission granted in Westmeath. There are no planning applications granted or awaiting decision for purpose built student accommodation in Longford.
As of the 29th of October, the number of beds advertised in digs accommodation by Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone, is 335.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (576)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:576. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the average waiting times for applications for disability allowance, carers allowance and appeals and the work her Department has undertaken to reduce these waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45821/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This question is more appropriate to the Department of Social Protection. My officials have been in contact with that Department and they would be happy to respond to you directly if you contact them.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (577)
Colm Brophy
Ceist:577. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the increase in social work and social care courses since 2011. [45868/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science does not place a cap on the number of Social Work or Social Care places in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Provision of Social Care and Social Work programmes has increased in recent years, due to the Action Plan resulting from the Social Work Education Group.
The Social Work Education Group (SWEG) was established by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in January 2019, and comprises all relevant higher education institutions along with other key players such as the Health Service Executive (HSE), Tusla, Probation Service, and representation from DFHERIS.
Two new education pathways were introduced earlier this year to address the shortfall of practitioners in the social work sector. These are
• A tertiary degree in Social Work, co-delivered by Cork ETB and UCC, which allows learners to access an undergraduate degree in Social Work outside the CAO system, and
• A Social Work Apprenticeship, which allows apprentice social workers to "earn while they learn" as they gain on the job practical experience and a level 9 Social Work qualification.
Between them these two programmes provide an additional 54 training places in social work. This represents a more than 20% increase on the baseline intake of 240 students per year. A tertiary programme in social care work is under development.
My Department will continue to engage with the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, their agencies and regulatory bodies regarding health and social work workforce planning.
Departmental Budgets
Ceisteanna (578)
Colm Brophy
Ceist:578. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of doubling the number of places on the college therapy programmes for physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. [45869/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous under the relevant legislation regarding their day to day management and academic affairs. This Department does not put a cap on the number of places available in particular courses by HEIs.
The costs incurred by a HEI in increasing student places on a particular course or establishing an additional course can vary depending on a variety factors including the type of course and the individual circumstances of the relevant HEI.
Where additionality is required on courses or a new course is required, specific engagement with the sector and external stakeholders is very often required. This process allows for a deeper consideration of wider issues such as capacity, staffing, other supports, availability of placements, capital investment in buildings and equipment etc. It is therefore, not possible to definitively calculate the costs sought in the absence of a specific engagement with the sector.
It should be noted that in recent years there has been a substantial expansion of therapy and key healthcare discipline provision in Irish HEIs. In July, Government approved the prioritisation of funding to support the expansion of training places in priority therapy disciplines.
Additionality of approximately 35% is expected in therapy disciplines over next two academic years. Additional places commencing in September 2024 include expanded intakes on Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Podiatric Medicine programmes in University of Galway, Physiotherapy in RCSI and the introduction of an undergraduate Occupational Therapy programme in University of Limerick.
The delivery of health and social programmes is complex and requires multiple parts of the health and education systems working together. The availability of clinical placements for students is a key enabler to expanding provision of all health and social care disciplines.
Extensive engagement is ongoing between officials in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and officials in the Department of Health, as well as the HSE and higher education sector. Work is underway on the oversight and infrastructure for clinical placements to enable further expansion.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (579)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:579. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of WTE vacancies, by job title, currently at the Charities Regulator; and the timeframe for when each of the vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [45647/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Charities Regulator was established in October 2014 pursuant to the Charities Act 2009. The Regulator is the State organisation responsible for registering and regulating Ireland’s charities.
While my Department has been assigned overall policy responsibility for the Charities Regulator, the Regulator is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions.
The table below outlines the current vacant posts at the Charities Regulator.
|
Role |
Estimated timeframe to fill vacancy |
WTE |
|
Director of Legal Affairs and Registration - Principal Officer equivalent |
A recruitment process is currently in train and an offer is expected to be made in early 2025. |
1 |
|
Head of Finance - Professional Accountant Grade I equivalent |
A recruitment process is currently in train and an offer is expected to be made before the end of 2024. |
1 |
Departmental Projects
Ceisteanna (580)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:580. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the latest status of the projects for piers on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45761/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, Galway County Council is the responsible authority for the maintenance and development of pier infrastructure on the Aran Islands, including on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin.
There are regular meetings between officials from my department and Galway County Council to discuss and monitor the pier development on the islands. The last meeting was held on Tuesday 22 October, and the next meeting is scheduled for 19 November.
The Deputy will recall that I gave approval to Galway County Council in July 2023 to issue a request for tender for the development of the Inis Oírr pier. Galway County Council is the contracting authority and is therefore responsible for all aspects of the procurement process.
Galway County Council is currently evaluating tenders and preparing the final business plan for submission to Department this month. Work is expected to commence in 2025.
With regards to Inis Meáin, my Department gave approval to Galway County Council in July to proceed to tender for the appointment of consultant engineers to develop the Preliminary Business Case, incorporating a Strategic Assessment, for Marine Infrastructure Improvement Options on the island.
Galway County Council is completing the tender evaluation for the appointment of consultant engineers to prepare the preliminary business plan, which is expected to commence in early 2025.
My Department and Galway County Council agree that there will be clear engagement with island representatives and the independent consultant to be appointed, ensuring that the entire community has input into the process.